Ford to Pump $5 Billion into Development of a Fresh Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Ford Unveils Innovative "Assembly Tree" Manufacturing Process for Affordable EV Production
Ford Motor Company is revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing landscape with an innovative approach called the "assembly tree" method. This new process, set to be implemented for Ford's next-generation EV platform, aims to streamline production, reduce costs, and improve working conditions.
The "assembly tree" approach organizes production into three separate sub-assemblies: the front and rear sub-assemblies, the structural battery core, and final assembly.
- The front and rear sub-assemblies are constructed separately using large single-piece aluminum parts, known as "unicastings," which replace dozens of smaller parts. This method reduces the number of parts, welds, and fasteners required.
- The structural battery core is built independently with components like seats, consoles, and carpeting.
- The three sub-assemblies are then combined to form the complete vehicle.
This innovative process promises several benefits:
- Improved Assembly Time and Efficiency: Ford anticipates a 15% improvement in assembly time and predicts that the midsize electric truck could be produced up to 40% faster than other vehicles.
- Streamlined Manufacturing Process: The process reduces the number of parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and dock-to-dock workstations by 40%, leading to a more efficient manufacturing process.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The layout is designed to be less obstructive, improving ergonomics and working conditions for employees.
Ford's commitment to this new manufacturing process is part of their broader strategy to make electric vehicles more affordable and transform the manufacturing landscape.
In a significant move, Ford will invest nearly $2 billion in the Louisville plant for pickup production, securing 2,200 hourly jobs. This investment is expected to lead to significant quality and cost wins, thanks to ergonomic breakthroughs and complexity reduction, as predicted by Bryce Currie, Ford vice president of Americas Manufacturing.
The new production system could also cut assembly time by up to 40% and reduce strain on workers. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hailed the investments as "one of the largest on record in our state" and a boost to Kentucky's role in EV innovation.
Ford's commitment to the U.S. doesn't stop there. They have already committed $3 billion to BlueOval Battery Park Michigan for prismatic LFP battery production. These investments will strengthen Ford's domestic supply chain with dozens of new U.S.-based suppliers.
In conclusion, Ford's innovative "assembly tree" manufacturing process is set to reshape the EV production landscape, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and ergonomic approach to building electric vehicles.
[1] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-s-new-assembly-tree-approach-aims-reduce-parts-costs-and-improve-quality [2] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-says-new-assembly-tree-approach-will-cut-assembly-time-and-costs [3] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-explains-assembly-tree-approach-next-gen-ev-platform [4] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-says-new-assembly-tree-approach-will-cut-assembly-time-and-costs [5] https://www.autonews.com/electric-vehicles/ford-says-new-assembly-tree-approach-will-cut-assembly-time-and-costs
- The innovative "assembly tree" method, adopted by Ford Motor Company, is designed to integrate technology in their automotive industry, as it utilizes advanced robotics and automation in the manufacturing process of electric vehicles.
- In the finance sector, the implementation of the "assembly tree" process could potentially lead to substantial savings for Ford, as it aims to reduce costs by 20% through the streamlining of manufacturing and the reduction of parts, fasteners, and workstations by respective percentages.
